New Releases, April 15: Asia, Mariah Carey, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, Rush
Asia “Phoenix”
Asiaís eponymously titled debut album in 1982 was both ecstatically received and the biggest selling album of the year. It spawned a trio of US top 10 singles in “Heat of the Moment”, “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor.” Over the greater part of the 80s, Asia racked up 15 million in global record sales.
Rising from the ashes in 2008, the Multi-Platinum Supergroup Asia returns with “Phoenix,” the first new album featuring the original line up in 25 years. With a revered musical pedigree, Geoff Downes (Yes, The Buggles), Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (ELP), and John Wetton (King Crimson) have returned to their hit making roots. Featuring the anthemic lead track “Never Again”, and the poignant “An Extraordinary Life,” Asiaís revived the sound that made them radio staples.
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Mariah Carey “E=MC≤”
The mega-platinum singer returns with her eleventh studio album. “E=MC≤” follows 2005’s chart-topping “The Emancipation of Mimi,” which won three Grammy Awards and scored two No. 1 singles.
The first single from the new Einstein-inspired title is “Touch My Body,” which was written and produced by Mariah Carey, C. “Tricky” Stewart and The-Dream. Other star producers on the set include Jermaine Dupri, DJ Toomp, Stargate, Will.I.Am and Bryan Michael Cox.
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Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus “The Best of Both Worlds Concert”
Mariah’s main competition for chart supremacy this week appears to come from Disney queen Miley Cyrus, who is still vastly better known by her stage name, Hannah Montana.
The CD/DVD combo “The Best of Both Worlds” documents Cyrus’ recent blockbuster tour, during which she appeared onstage as both herself and as Hannah Montana. The set includes the young diva performing with the equally red-hot Jonas Brothers on the track “We Got the Party.”
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Rush “Snakes & Arrows Live”
The Canadian prog-rockers are back with a two-disc set that documents their 2007 amphitheater tour. “Snakes & Arrows” features such fan favorites as “Tom Sawyer,” “The Spirit of Radio” and “YYZ.” It also reportedly includes, as fans would expect, a mega drum solo by Rush’s Neil Peart.
Rush is currently on the road and supporting this live set, which follows last year’s studio album, “Snakes & Arrows.” The trek is scheduled to hit major North American amphitheaters through late July.
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Black Francis “Svn Fingers”
Having reclaimed his old moniker Black Francis with 2007’s “Bluefinger,” the artist otherwise known as Frank Black [ tickets ] sticks with that same artistic billing for the release of this mini-album. Black (whether used as his first or last name) is, of course, best known as the frontman for the Pixies. Yet, he’s released a sizable catalog outside of that legendary alt-rock group. The compilation “Frank Black 93-03,” also released last year, highlights some of his most-acclaimed work as a solo artist.
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The Kooks “Konk”
The British indie-pop-rockers are ready to “Konk”-er America with this sophomore set. The band has already taken much of the rest of the globe by storm, having moved some 2 million copies worldwide of “Inside In/Inside Out.” The Kooks will tour North America, beginning with a May 18 date in San Diego.
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More new releases:
Children of Bodom, “Blooddrunk” (Frontiers)
Gaither Vocal Band, “Lovin’ Life” (Spring House)
Marilyn Horne, “The Complete Decca Recitals” (Decca)
Lady Antebellum, “Lady Antebellum” (Capitol)
M83, “Saturdays=Youth” (Mute)
James McMurtry, “Just Us Kids” (Lightning Rod)
The Naked Brothers Band, “I Don’t Want to Go to School” (Sony)
Ours, “Mercy (Dancing for the Death of an Imaginary Enemy)” (American)
Tristan Prettyman, “Hello” (Virgin)
Dianne Reeves, “When You Know” (Blue Note)
Kate Rusby, “Awkward Annie” (Pure)
Frank Sinatra, “Sinatra at the Movies” (Capitol)
Thrice, “Alchemy Index, Vol. 3 & 4: Air and Earth” (Vagrant)
Various Artists, “Miles from India” (Four Quarters)
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